A Little TLC for Cyclists

According to the Department of City Planning's (DCP) 1999 bicycle survey, "dooring" is the most frequent cause of cycling crashes in New York City. Based on DCP statistics, T.A. estimates that at least 1000 cyclists are "doored" each year in NYC, resulting in hundreds of broken bones and three to four deaths.

As part of its campaign to remedy this situation, T.A. successfully lobbied the Taxi and Limousine Commission to take action to reduce doorings by cab passengers. The T.A. - TLC campaign, championed by Deputy Commissioner Allan J. Fromberg of the TLC, will remind both passengers and drivers to look for cyclists before opening their doors. T.A. designed a sticker for cab passengers that has been favorably received by the TLC and has a good chance of being adopted. The TLC is also considering a talking taxi message (similar to the "buckle up" and "don't forget your stuff" recordings now airing in yellow cabs).

There are almost a half million taxicab trips on an average weekday in New York City. That is a lot of doors opening and a lot of potential accidents that will soon get a little TLC.

Read the latest news on this issue.

New York City Traffic Rules Section 4-11, paragraph (c):
Pickup and discharge of passengers by taxis and for-hire vehicles.

Taxis and for-hire vehicles, while engaged in picking up or discharging passengers must be within 12 inches of the curb and parallel thereto, but may stop or stand to pick up or discharge passengers alongside a vehicle parked at the curb only if there is no unoccupied curb space available within 100 feet of the pickup or discharge location;

However, picking up or discharging passengers shall not be made:

(1) Within a pedestrian crosswalk.

(2) Within an intersection, except on the side of a roadway opposite a street which intersects but does not cross such roadway.

(6) Within a bicycle lane.

New York City Traffic Rules Section 4-12, paragraph (c):
Getting out of a vehicle.

No person shall get out of any vehicle from the side facing on the traveled part of the street in such manner as to interfere with the right of the operator of an approaching vehicle or a bicycle.